Arkansas Post commemorates 150th anniversary of Civil War battle

John Engleman and his 10-year-old son Gabriel were among the Confederate troops to surrender. It was the first battle the West Helena residents participated in after being spectators at past reenactments.

Smoke drifted across the battlefield as the Yankee force slowly, but surely made their way across the muddy field. Cannons boomed steadily before Confederate forces finally waved a white flag.

John Engleman and his 10-year-old son Gabriel were among the Confederate troops to surrender. It was the first battle the West Helena residents participated in after being spectators at past reenactments.

Gabriel, a drummer, said he definitely enjoyed the battle. The men knew a little of the battle’s history, but had to research more before they entered the battlefield on Saturday and Sunday.

The battle was part of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Arkansas Post. The battle occurred Jan. 9-11, 1863 and was a Union victory. Several hundred attended daily to watch the surrender, which was sponsored by the Friends of Arkansas Post National Memorial, Friends of Arkansas Post Museum State Park and the Grand Prairie Historical Society. It hosted fewer reenactors than expected due to illness and bad weather.

Later on Saturday, officials honored the battle’s participants and recognized six men and women who had relatives that fought in the battle. Those recognized included Gary Cornett and Bubba Cheek, who shared a common ancestor, Pvt. Charles C. Cowey.

“We were proud to be here,” Cheek said. “It was our honor and our duty to help recognize our ancestor.”

The men and their family are history buffs, who enjoy learning all they can about their ancestors. They said they previously held a private ceremony to honor Cowey at his graveside.

Today, both Cornett and Cheek are Civil War reenactors who are part of the 6th Texas, Company K CSA group. Cheek said it’s another tie to Cowey, who also served in the 6th Texas during the Civil War.

Overall, Arkansas Post National Memorial park ranger Joe Herron said “I feel great in how this has gone.

“The weather has exceeded expectations,” he said. “On Thursday and Friday, we had about 400 kids from DeWitt, Gillett, Star City, Monticello, Dumas and Little Rock.”

There were easily 400 participants once the general public events began on Saturday with 600 to 700 people showing up for the reenactment on a nearby privately owned 125 acres.

David Goodson was among the leaders who brought about 14 boy scouts to view the encampments and attend a period church service on Sunday.

The Arkadelphia troop previously attended the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Prairie Grove and decided to camp at Pendleton to attend the one in Gillett.

Goodson said it was an opportunity to let the boys learn the significance of the sacrifice made by all.